e&, previously known as Etisalat Group, has announced the soft launch of electric vehicle (EV) charging network ‘Charge&Go’. The network will see stations “strategically” placed across the UAE that will offer users a “dependable, affordable, and easily accessible charging solution”, Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&, said in an interview. “With Charge&Go, e& isn’t just part of the conversation; we’re leading it,” he said ahead of technology exhibition Gitex Global. “It’s a commitment to a greener future and part of our commitments to reach net zero in our UAE operations by 2030.”
The company is aiming to establish one of the largest electric vehicle charging ecosystems by collaborating with government and private sector entities. Dowidar said the network will provide a “reliable, user-focused charging journey”.
It is working “collaboratively” to realise the UAE’s vision of setting up the most expansive EV charging network. “Through Charge&Go, we’re promoting electric mobility and building a holistic, end-to-end EV charging solution that’s both reliable and accessible.”
Earlier this year, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the country currently has 500 EV charging stations, with plans to nearly double them in the near future.
e& expects annual EV demand to grow by 30 per cent from 2022 to 2028. “The momentum behind EVs is expected to grow exponentially, with global sales soaring, and the UAE is making significant strides. Industry statistics reveal that more than 10 million electric cars were sold worldwide in 2022 and this is expected to grow by another 35 per cent to reach 14 million,” said Dowidar.
The UAE aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 50 per cent by 2050. The country also has ambitious goals to reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent and carbon emissions by 10 million tonnes in the transport sector by 2050.
